The Christmas message of the Right Reverend Arri Kugappi, Th. D. (h. c.), Bishop of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of Ingria

“How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’” (Isaiah 52:7, ESV)

The Birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ brings us peace, joy, and God’s righteousness, for it gives us salvation.

Therefore, on behalf and by order of God, the prophet Isaiah calls us to proclaim the Good News, so that all people in the world may know that God “was manifested in the flesh, vindicated by the Spirit, seen by angels, proclaimed among the nations, believed on in the world, taken up in glory.” (1 Tim. 3:6, ESV).

We have a loving God the Father who wants all people to be saved and for that reason His Son was incarnated — the Word became flesh and dwells with us, so that we may not wander in darkness and fear, but receive this precious grace which is given us as a gift through faith, testifying to the incomprehensible love of God.

God our Father does not turn us to Himself by fear, sword or violence. He simply lets us see the fulfillment of His promise, which we can receive by hearing the Word that is established in our hearts by the Holy Spirit, and we submit to the Gospel in humility and joy as we realize the following: God became man, so that I may be sanctified by Christ and rise from the dead unto a living hope. Thanks be to God!